I am building a portable bait-well for my boat, and thought it was done, but it won't suck water in. I tood a 32 gallon drum, mounted a bilge pump in the bottom with a hose leading out, and mounted an aerator near the top of the drum. The aerator mounted near the top has a hose running into the outside water. I have them on two separate switches for filling and draining, and both will turn on, so I know the connections are good. Like I said, it just won't suck the water in. I hope I have explained this well enough for anyone to get a mental picture, but I guess my question is this: Did I understand the directions right? This aerator should be able to suck water in from one hole and disperse it out the other hole, which is why i mounted it so one hole is in the drum and the other is outside the drum. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. :thanks:

the aerator probably doesn't self prime or suck water from any distance.

Aerating bait isn't worth the hassle, you want a continuous supply of fresh water.

I found the best way for my boat is to have a bait pump on a bracket on the transom permanently. Mount a shut-off and quick connect on top of the transom, and let the overflow hang overboard. The pump will force feed when running if you want to limit power draw. You can also hook-up a washdown hose to the quick connect.

I see you're in Wareham, me too. pm me if you want and i can take a look, or you can check my set-up for ideas. I've set up both of my boats and two friends the same way. Never had a problem keeping any bait alive, herring, mackeral, or pogies.

If a pump is mounted above the water line, it has to be self priming and be able to pull up to the distance (height) you have it mounted.

If you have a thru hull its the way to go, just mount the pump on it and have the hose with a shut-off. Overflow pipe for the tank.
Water in the bottom and out the top and over the side.

Hope that helps.

Thanks guys, but i figured out my problem. The aerator just didn't have enough to suck the water up. I have decided to go bilge pump in and bilge pump out. I figure this way, I can fill it, drain it, and also have a constant exchange of water when sitting. Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.......good luck guys.